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Sharon and Bart Williams of Annapolis, Md., are surprised by their family and friends Sunday, April 12, 2020, for a social distance celebration of the their 56th wedding anniversary. Because of the coronavirus, the Williams have stayed home to self-isolate and were surprised by the unexpected visit to mark their anniversary. Susan Walsh/AP Photo

Live: What To Know April 13 About COVID-19 In Wisconsin

New Coronavirus Cases In State Continue To Rise

By WPR Staff

Published:

Monday, April 13, 2020, 10:00am

Updated:

Monday, April 13, 2020, 2:50pm

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The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin continues to grow.

The state Department of Health Services announced Monday there are 3,428 positive casesof COVID-19 statewide and 154 deaths. Officials in Door County reported one additional death Monday, bringing the total to 155.

As the response to the virus evolves, Wisconsin Public Radio will be keeping track of up-to-date happenings here, and in our broadcast and online coverage. If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 — either about the virus, prevention or preparation — ask us and we'll do our best to answer.

For explanations for common questions and additional information about COVID resources, read WisContext's story listing 10 things to know about the pandemic and public health in the state.

Aspirus, a health system based in Wausau, announced it is closing 16 primary care clinic locations in Wisconsin and Michigan until further notice.

Some staff from the closed locations will be sent to other Aspirus clinics or to hospitals throughout the region, to provide extra support in the event of a spike in COVID-19 cases, according to an Aspirus press release.

Some patient appointments will be converted to phone or video calls, and people who must see a provider in person will be referred to other locations.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin climbed to 3,428 Monday — a jump of 87 cases from the day before — and deaths have reached 154 as of Monday afternoon, according to the state Department of Health Services.

Officials in Door County reported one additional death Monday, bringing the statewide death toll to 155.

DHS officials reported the number of hospitalizations because of the ailment is 993, or 29 percent of cases.

The number of negative test results are 36,769.

12:45 PM: Door County Announces First COVID-19 Death

A man in his 70s, who had multiple underlying conditions and was hospitalized for COVID-19, has died, marking Door County's first death related to the disease, the county announced Monday.

The county did not release any other information about the man, citing privacy laws.

"We must all stay home, maintain distance from others, end unnecessary shopping trips and avoid gatherings," the county said in a statement. "The actions we take now can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19."

Like many of Wisconsin's outdoor destinations, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is now limiting when and how people visit.

Overnight island use, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., will be forbidden until at least June 20, the National Park Service announced.

"Overnight use encourages people to travel to Bayfield and to congregate around docks and camping areas which is contrary to what local and state health authorities are recommending," park superintendent Lynne Dominy said in a statement.

People can still go to the islands during the day, according to the statement, which also warns that much of the park is still under wintry conditions, with icy trails and frigid waters.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Gov. Tony Evers and 11 other governors are asking the Trump administration to open a special enrollment period on the federal insurance exchange — an exception already made for people who go through certain life events, such as losing health insurance or surviving natural disasters.

In their letter, the governors said the administration needs to open up the exchange because too many people remain uninsured, and that poses a public health risk.

"Far too many of our residents are choosing to forgo coronavirus testing and treatment out of fear of the potential costs to themselves and their families at a time of increasing economic distress," the letter states. "Not only is this unacceptable, it’s also dangerous as it undermines our ability as a nation to stop the spread of COVID19."

The governors of two Wisconsin neighbors, Illinois and Michigan, signed onto the letter, as well as the governors of Delaware, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

10:55 AM: American Players Theatre Postpones 2020 Season

The American Players Theatre in Spring Green has pushed back the beginning of its season and has stopped selling tickets due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The season was set to begin June 6. The company is working on a new schedule and plans to provide more information May 15, according to its website.

An FAQ page says people who purchased tickets for a performance that ends up getting canceled can get a refund, exchange them for another show, or give the money as a donation.

9:55 AM: Wisconsin Tribes Enact Curfews

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians has completed its first weekend under a reservation-wide curfew. The curfew, which orders people to stay in their homes from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day, went into effect Friday, and was imposed to further limit people's movements and the spread of COVID-19.

People who break the curfew could be subject to a $500 fine, according to a release from the tribe. People are still allowed to travel for essential work or emergencies, and anyone else who needs to go out during curfew hours is asked to give prior notice to the police department.

Gov. Tony Evers said Sunday that an application has been submitted to begin developing an alternative care facility at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison in the event of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The governor announced that an application was submitted to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prepare for such a facility. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has paired with state officials to assist with the creation of such facilities as government officials work to handle the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

The first such facility is being built on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee.

A petition sponsored by the union SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin is calling for Meriter Hospital in Madison to provide extra support to its workers as they combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Sunday morning, 862 people had signed the petition on the website Coworker.org. Its demands include additional paid sick leave and hazard pay to ensure safe staffing levels.

"We are insufficiently staffed even during normal times," the petition states. "Right now, no expense should be spared to ensure safe staffing levels. This means hazard pay to compensate us for risking our lives and our families' lives, and additional incentives for picking up extra shifts."

The petition also asks for increased transparency and understanding from management.

"We are committed to providing safe patient care to all, but we need the training, tools, and assistance required to do so," the petition states.

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